By Our Correspondent
A major tragedy was over the weekend averted in Onitsha, Anambra State when a 25-year-old indigene of Amasiri, Afikpo in Ebonyi state, Henry Okoroagwu jumped into the river Niger.

Okoroagwu who suddenly climed the railings of the bridge in broad daylight and jumped into the river out of frustration was said to have been rescued by a team of local boat riders and National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) after passersby and bystander raised alarm.

The passerby’s alarm prompted a very quick and professional response from rescue officials and boat operators nearby who immediately swung into action.

Confirming the incident to Daily Echoes Media,the Unit Head of Marine at the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Engineer Omishola said that his team quickly mobilized to the scene after being alerted.

According to him, their timely intervention was crucial in saving the young man from drowning.

A local boat operator, Mr. Peter Okenye, who was among the rescuers said that they rushed towards the victim after noticing him in the water.

He said, “By the time we reached him, he was already going under. It was by God’s grace that we pulled him out alive. I thank God for using us to save yet another life.

Speaking after his rescue, the survivor, Henry admitted that frustration and hopelessness pushed him to attempt suicide.

He disclosed that he is the sixth child of his family and has been feeling overwhelmed by personal struggles.

Okoroagwu was handed over to the NIWA Police Command after his rescue for further care and evaluation.

The incident has stirred emotional reactions on social media, with many describing it as a wake-up call on the need to pay more attention to issues of depression and mental health.

Meanwhile, residents of Onitsha have commended NIWA’s rescue team and the boat operators, saying that their intervention prevented what could have been another dark day at the River Niger.

By Our Correspondent

The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the recent ruling by a Canadian Federal court that erroneously designated certain political parties in Nigeria as “terrorist organizations.”

The declaration was in pursuance of a case involving a Nigerian, Mr. Douglas Egharevba, who arrived in Canada in September 2017 and applied for inland refugee status under the immigration and Refugee Protection Act of Canada.

This baseless classification according to a statement  issued to journalists by the Spokesperson Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr.Kimiebi Ebinefa on Friday,  is not only reckless but also constitutes an unacceptable interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs and democratic processes.

According to the statement, “the court made a sweeping accusation against the entire membership of a political party that has produced three democratically elected presidents, instead of focusing on individuals found wanting. The larger ramification of the decision is that every member of the mentioned political parties is a potential terrorist, and that is completely false and unacceptable.

“Nigeria is a sovereign nation with a robust legal and constitutional framework governing political activities. Our political parties operate within the ambit of the law and are integral to the country’s vibrant democracy. To associate legitimate political entities with terrorism without credible evidence is a grave misrepresentation that undermines Nigeria’s democratic institutions and could incite unnecessary tension.”

The Federal Government of Nigeria, therefore, calls on the Canadian authorities to immediately retract this erroneous designation and refrain from actions that could be misconstrued as endorsing politically motivated narratives against Nigeria. It further noted,”Diplomatic channels remain open for constructive dialogue, and we urge the Government of Canada to engage with the relevant Nigerian institutions to rectify this error.

“Nigeria remains committed to the global fight against terrorism and has made significant strides in countering extremist groups within its borders; therefore, called on the international community to disregard this misguided ruling and reaffirm its confidence in Nigeria’s democratic governance and rule of law.

“The government further urges Nigerian nationals to refrain from making unfounded allegations against Nigeria under the pretence of seeking asylum or favours from foreign entities.”